Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

I recently tried making Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore for a cozy family dinner, and it turned out to be an absolute hit! The tender chicken simmered in rich tomato sauce with peppers and olives filled the house with amazing aromas, and the best part was how easy it was to prepare in the slow cooker. It’s now become one of my go-to comfort meals!

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Difficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

6

hours 

Calories

360

kcal

If you love hearty, comforting meals that practically cook themselves, this Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore will be your new favorite. Packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s the kind of dinner that makes your kitchen smell amazing all day long.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes

• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)

• ½ cup dry red wine (optional, for deeper flavor)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Brown the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. This step locks in flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
  
• Layer in the slow cooker: Place onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic at the bottom. Arrange the chicken on top of the vegetables.
  
• Add the sauce: In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
  
• Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  
• Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
  
• Serving ideas: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
  

Nutrition Information

• Calories: ~360 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: ~640 mg

Expert Tips and Variations

For substitutions, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts or add mushrooms for extra flavor in chicken cacciatore. Try adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a flavor twist. To avoid watery sauce, don’t overfill the slow cooker, and searing the chicken beforehand adds depth. Keep an eye on seasoning, and remember that too much liquid can dilute the flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cacciatore

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Things People Ask

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